It can help prevent the need for a root canal
A root canal is the most serious and intrusive surgery associated with treating tooth decay, apart from an actual tooth extraction, that is. When a tooth shows serious signs of decay, often the only option is to forcibly create a pathway (that’s the canal portion) all the way to the root and clean all the bacteria and infected material out. The canal is then sealed up to prevent particles from getting back in there. While advances in Toronto dental clinic technology have made root canals much easier to perform and much less painful than they once were for the patient, it’s still dental surgery. That means extra costs, discomfort and time lost while the patient recovers. It’s always best to avoid procedures like this if you can do so easily. Flossing daily is one of the best ways to prevent decay that gets bad enough to need a root canal. That’s because it reduces inflammation and makes sure food or particles don’t get stuck between the teeth, which can rot if left there for too long, in turn, causing tooth decay. Think of it this way: a few minutes of flossing a day versus the inconvenience and discomfort of surgery at a Toronto dental clinic? Seems like an easy choice.
It reduces the risk of needing a bone graft
To be successful, dental implants need a solid, healthy jawbone to attach themselves to. In fact, it’s crucial. Without an anchor, the implants won’t take and a patient’s only option for functioning teeth will be to use dentures. If you want to know what the secret is to long-lasting dental implants … it’s having a healthy base for them to be secured in. Patients with a history of gum disease are at a much higher risk for having compromised bone material, which is often weaker and softer. In a case like this, the patient will have to undergo a bone graft prior to having implants successfully installed. To do this, a dental surgeon will graft synthetic bone material to your existing bones, helping create a stronger, more durable base for the implants. It’s not usually painful, but it’s one more phase and expense in the dental implant procedure and if you can avoid it, you should. Natural, healthy bone is always the best option. As mentioned earlier, the most common cause of weak or compromised bone is gum disease or extreme decay. Flossing regularly will help your gums stay clean and healthy, reducing the risk of decay or bacteria.
It stops plaque from building up
Dental plaque builds quickly without a regular flossing routine. You know that white, concrete-like residue that builds up around your gum line? That’s plaque, and it can cause numerous problems. Too much plaque can weaken your teeth, as well as permanently discolour them. Plaque-free teeth are whiter, brighter and experience less sensitivity.
It can also cause:
- Dental disease
- Gum inflammation
- Other serious medical conditions like heart disease.